You are here

Priority Species Gateway

(Natural Environment & Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 Sec. 41)

5 banded digger wasp - Nick Owens

We aim to provide practical and useful information on Priority Species in Suffolk. This list comprises those species on the UK List of Priority Species and Habitats 2007 which have been recorded in Suffolk over the past 50 years. The species are listed under each of the priority habitats in which they are likely to occur.

Of course, species may be found in undesignated habitats too and so we've provided a brief description of some of the widespread habitats in Suffolk and given examples of a few characteristic priority species to watch out for in these sites.

A full list of the priority species and habitats in Suffolk can be seen here and click here to bring the Suffolk priority species and habitats to life in photos!

We'd really like to hear your views on these pages - please tell us if you think they can be improved.

Background

All public bodies have a statutory duty to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity, as set out in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 s.40. Find out more on the Government's Legislation website

Section 41 of the Act is the list which covers priority species and habitats (referred to in the Act as ‘living organisms and types of habitat which are of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity’ (in England')).These are also referred to as ‘UK Biodiversity Action Plan’ or ‘BAP’ species and habitats. There are over 302 priority species and 25 priority habitats in Suffolk. Find out more on the JNCC website.

Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan and Planning

Cornflower at Nacton - Steve Aylward

The Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan, which comprises a list of priority species and habitats in the county, is embedded in our local planning policies and they are material considerations in the planning process. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (Sections 109-125) also sets out the need to ‘conserve and enhance the natural environment’ by minimising impacts and providing net gains to biodiversity; thus contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity.

Suffolk Nature Strategy (A 2020 Vision for Suffolk's Natural Environment) 2014 Recommendation 3 for Priority Habitats and Species (page 16) states 'Public bodies and statutory undertakers should ensure that, in exercising their functions, they have access and pay due regard to appropriate ecological evidence and advice so as to ensure that their duties under the relevant legislation are met.'

Dealing with Priority Species in the Planning Process

An applicant needs to consider Priority species when developing proposals. This flowchart will guide the applicant through the process step by step. Download the flowchart here.

For further information on Suffolk species and habitats contact Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service.

Please note that species marked (Suffolk priority species) are not national priority species, but are special to Suffolk. For example, East Anglia is the UK stronghold for the Little Tern, supporting almost half of the UK population. So Suffolk has an important role to play in protecting this charismatic species.

Priority Species in the Wider Countryside and Built Environment

Priority species may be found in other habitats, such as clay farmland, conifer plantations and gardens, which are clearly important in the landscape. The following 'Wider Countryside' and the 'Built Environment - Towns and Villages' sections include some of the priority habitats listed above as well as some additional ones. A brief description of the main habitats is provided together with a few examples of characteristic priority Species to watch out for in these sites.

Wider Countryside

Farmland

Priority habitats often found in farmland - click on the link to see associated Priority species

Clayland Farmland

Large plateau area, slightly undulating, on chalky boulder clay with small rivers and streams and the River Waveney. Some small, scattered parkland estates and a mix of ancient small irregular fields with pollard hedgerow oaks and large, modern fields devoid of hedges and trees.Large common grazing grounds and greens.Mostly arable, except for pasture in river valleys and remnant parkland. Boundaries formed by deep ditches, sometimes with hedges. Many small copses. Further info: Natural England National Character Area 83 >

Coastal Sandy Farmland (Sandlings)

Flat or gently rolling landscape, very low rainfall. The soils are generally free-draining, infertile sands and gravels. The proximity of the sea ameliorates the temperature in winter to produce a more oceanic climate than in the Brecks.

Brecks Farmland

The soils of the Breckland area in north-west Suffolk are free-draining, infertile sands and gravels. The distinctive landscape ranges from flint-strewn fields lined by twisted pines to sandy heath with.The term 'breck' refers to open sandy fields that went in and out of cultivation. They support species typical of early successional stages of heaths with lower competitive ability and a preference for well-drained soils and open sites. Further Info: Natural England National Character Area 85 >

River banks (important for providing linkages between habitats)

Built Environment - Towns and Villages

The built environment includes managed greenspace such as school and hospital grounds as well as developments and green infrastructure, churchyards and retail parks. These sites may be home to priority species, for example, old buildings provide roosts for bats.

Priority habitats which may found in the Built Environment - click on the link to see associated Priority species

Grateful thanks to our partners for their invaluable assistance on this project, in particular, the RSPB, Suffolk Naturalists' Society (Suffolk County Recorders) and Suffolk Amphibian and Reptile Group.

Twitter Feed

This site or its linked content could use cookies. Cookies are present to ensure that you have best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive any cookies from our website. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time.